A reference to “colored people” instead of “people of color” forced a Democratic National Committee member to quit after what Fox News reported as a massive uproar. Even his wife turned against him.
John Parker, a Florida member of the DNC, apologized for the controversial remark he made in January during a party meeting, and on Wednesday he announced his immediate resignation.
“I misspoke and used language that was hurtful,” he said in a statement, per Politico.
Parker said that the comment was a “misstatement” for which he had apologized but which was misunderstood.
He previously claimed that he meant to use the phrase “people of color” but accidently said “colored people,” the Washington Examiner reported.
In his resignation letter, Parker noted that a full investigation would have shown his error, according to Politico.
“I am not what some are portraying me to be, and although I would have preferred the opportunity for due process, I have decided it is best to put our party and overarching goals ahead of this.”
Parker added that he elected to resign for “the good of my party and all those who are fighting so hard for a better world than the one we are in now.”
For several months there had been mounting calls for Parker’s resignation, which have recently included his wife, Lisa King, who serves as the chair of the Duval County Democrats.
“While I know John does not have malice in his heart, and has learned from this experience, he has lost the confidence of many of us to continue to serve in his leadership positions,” she said in a statement Monday, per Fox News.
King accepted her husband’s resignation Wednesday.
“Although he has dedicated over 35 years of service, his statements and actions necessitated his departure,” she said, according to The Daily Mail.
“All of our members deserve a party that prioritizes and models diversity and respect. I am committed to creating this culture and am confident that we will work together to create equity and respect for all.”
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